Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey
Despite winning the first Test by 159 runs, Australia’s tour of the West Indies has been challenging. The top order has struggled, with Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas and Cameron Green under the microscope after meagre returns to date.
Konstas and Khawaja have managed just 33 and 80 runs respectively across the four innings so far. Khawaja continues to struggle against pace, and is now targeted relentlessly by inswingers from around the wicket. Stuck on the crease, the 38-year-old isn’t able to adjust as quickly as he has so often in the past against quality bowling.
Konstas, on the other hand, has been dismissed by a wide range of deliveries. A loose drive and cut in the second Test has raised questions as to his readiness for this level. The 19-year-old cut a forlorn figure after his second innings dismissal, and fans are calling for the youngster to spend more time honing his game in Sheffield Shield cricket.
This was the view of Konstas’ former batting mentor Neil D’Costa before last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In addition to the openers, Cameron Green has struggled so far at number three. He too has been loose around offstump, with technical deficiencies exposed further up the order. He begins day three of the second Test unbeaten on six, and needs a good score for both his confidence and Australia’s precarious position in Grenada.
Australia fans call for top order adjustments for the 2025/26 Ashes
The Ashes begin in just over six months’ time. The top order inspires very little confidence currently. Fans have called for change, which makes the first few rounds of the Sheffield Shield hugely intriguing.
Tom Moody said it’s not unthinkable that Australia go into the Ashes with two new openers.
“It’s not unreasonable to think that Australia could have two new openers for the 1st Ashes Test,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Harris, Patterson & Bancroft with over a decade of work in domestic cricket are ready and waiting… Could do worse than getting them to the Caribbean for the 3rd Test!”
Andrew Menczel of The Cricket Unfiltered Podcast had the same view. “Australia are really faced with the prospect of picking two new openers for the Ashes. Khawaja is done, Konstas not ready,” he said.
Here are some of the reactions from Australian supporters after Pat Cummins’ team ended day two 12/2, leading West Indies by just 45.
